User-friendly, free and open access to a very rich geographical heritage dataset.

Publisher’s Description: The “Back in time” feature on Géoportail can be used to view online and/or download vintage maps and aerial photographs of the French territory as far back as 1945.

18th and 19th century vintage maps, known as Cassini maps and Chiefs of Staff maps, are also available, and can represent invaluable aids to understanding modern issues from geolocalized historical data. In addition, aerial photograph surveys provide access to over 800 000 aerial photographs, which bear witness to the changes in landuse development over time.

Data display and visualization online is immediate and source images can be downloaded in high definition. Maps and photographs can be used free-of-charge for public or private purposes. The “Back in time” feature on Géoportail allows user-friendly, free and open access to an exceptional geographic heritage.